wetsuit question

Discussion in 'Mid Atlantic' started by tibu35, Aug 30, 2010.

  1. tibu35

    tibu35 Well-Known Member

    183
    Dec 28, 2009
    Should all wetsuits for a certain brand, for instance, lets say, ripcurl, fit the same size? For example, I'm a medium tall, should the suit size fit me in a 3/2 rip curl dawn patrol (back zip) and the same in a 5/4 rip curl insulator (chest zip). Do you winter surfers have to wear larger suits in the winter because the extra rubber or the same size as your 3/2. I would normally jusr go to the local shop, but pretty much all the ones I have checked dont have my size right now in winter suits cause its not the season. I was trying to get a clearance suit at the shops, but they have crazy sizes left. So, unfortunately I have to get one online and dont want to order the wrong size.
     
  2. bauer

    bauer Well-Known Member

    182
    Aug 22, 2010
    same

    Its the same size. Little advice if your 3/2 is lose any where on your body go a little smaller in a winter suit my winter suit is so tight I ca barely rip it off my shoulders after a surf but I am soo warm....
     

  3. Alvin

    Alvin Well-Known Member

    440
    Dec 29, 2009
    I would never order a suit online without knowing for sure that it fits like a glove. Your problem is perplexing though since the shops dont have your size. For the most part they are the same as a 3/2 but neck closiers and cuffs can be different. Also, some guys wear underarmor longies under their suit for even more warmth, so you might want to take that into account. If you go online anyway definately give them all your measurments. Most sites have a graph you can fill out. You may even want to send them a photo of yourself wearing your 3/2 so they can match your size right. Front and back with arms out.
     
  4. Alvin

    Alvin Well-Known Member

    440
    Dec 29, 2009
    I agree with BAUER as well. You dont want to get any cold water inside that suit. Pee is another story however. Ha ha.
     
  5. GoodVibes

    GoodVibes Well-Known Member

    Jun 29, 2008
    I took a chance last year and got a brand new Hyperflex on Ebay last year for $150.It fits like a glove so that worked out.I do feel that all wetsuits sizes do not fit the exact same way for your size.I know this from my on experience.Your best bet is to try them on.Sould fit like you wearing a pair of sweatpants.Not too tight not too lose.
     
  6. Alvin

    Alvin Well-Known Member

    440
    Dec 29, 2009
    Yes, too tight will cut off circulation and freedom of movement. too loose will allow water to chill out inside your wetsuit plus will be heavier.
     
  7. lax8810

    lax8810 Well-Known Member

    109
    Aug 29, 2009
    I have had experiences with difference suits from the same company fitting differently. Its not a big deal if it doesn't fit send the back for 5 bucks.

    My last 3 suits I bought were online clearance. I sent two back for different sizes, but still saves a lot of money.
     
  8. MATT JOHNSON

    MATT JOHNSON Well-Known Member

    Oct 11, 2009
    try diffent suits on to see what fits best . You dont want it too tight like mentioned it can actullay wear you out just as fast as a suit that is too big filled with water. Rule of thumb if it feel like it is pulling down on you shoulders its too tight
     
  9. tibu35

    tibu35 Well-Known Member

    183
    Dec 28, 2009
    Thanks guys for the input....... I have tried different brands and the rip curls seem to fit the best and the suits keep together well. I remember last year going to the shop to try on an oneill epic and a mutant in the same size, but the mutant seemed so dam tight, so i decided to get the epic because it fit better. To make a long story short it's only a 4/3 and it was not warm enough for some of the swells in the winter or my sessions would be cut short just from being to cold. I wanted to get a head start and get a new suit for the winter that will keep me warm, so I can stay out longer. I figured now would be the best time to look cause the shops and website are trying to unload last years stuff, hence getting a good deal.
     
  10. MATT JOHNSON

    MATT JOHNSON Well-Known Member

    Oct 11, 2009
    keep checking Whiskey Milita for gear on sale sign up for there daily emails on what on the chopping block
     
  11. bauer

    bauer Well-Known Member

    182
    Aug 22, 2010
    If you would have gotton the 4/3 mutant that was tight youd be warm.. I have mutant that is skin tight I surf year round and didnt even get a chill in Feb. 2.5-3 hrs is my normal surf session.. Just my 2 cents....
     
  12. kinkyreggae

    kinkyreggae Member

    14
    Aug 17, 2010
    anyone ever have a west suit that is really loose in the legs. mine always fill up with water, it fits everywhere else but the legs are always loose
     
  13. tibu35

    tibu35 Well-Known Member

    183
    Dec 28, 2009
    I liked the mutant, but i went with the epic because it was a back zip and I was in and out of it with no problem. The mutant was a chest zip and was just a pain in the ass for me to get in. Anytime I got a nonback zip suit it was always a pain. I sacraficed warmth for comfort, but I'm looking in the other direction now just to enjoy longer better winter sessions.
     
  14. tibu35

    tibu35 Well-Known Member

    183
    Dec 28, 2009
    yeah.... I had that with my last 3/2 i bought in april which was a large tall.... fit everywhere except the arms and legs would flood....plus I also lost some weight this summer.....just bought the same suit in a medium tall and it fits great.... thats why i want to buy a rip curl winter suit in that size cause it fits me well.....just wanted to make sure they run the same size as far as thicker suits go....i would try a size smaller
     
  15. njsurfer42

    njsurfer42 Well-Known Member

    Nov 9, 2009
    yea, chest zips can be a hassle to get out of, esp. when you're cold & tired from a long session, but the advantages (more flexible, less water getting thru the zipper teeth, etc...) really out weigh that, at least to me. since you're looking at rip curl, try to find last season's f-bomb 5/4/3. most shops should have them on sale b/c rip curl did a little redesign on the suit, so they look totally different now. this is the warmest winter suit i've ever worn...but i'm like you, rip curl just fits me the best. it's like the guy they use to pattern their larges is my clone or something, so i rock the bomb series suits all the way thru, from 2mil short sleeve full up to the 5/4/3.
     
  16. tibu35

    tibu35 Well-Known Member

    183
    Dec 28, 2009
    do you know anything about the rip curl 5/4 insulator .... it was the suit i was looking at
     
  17. Alvin

    Alvin Well-Known Member

    440
    Dec 29, 2009
    I hear the Patagonia is really warm and form fitting but very pricey. the Rip Curl winter suits are all good. Anyone try the H-bomb with heaters?
     
  18. njsurfer42

    njsurfer42 Well-Known Member

    Nov 9, 2009
    i've only seen the insulator in 4/3 w/ the removable hood...i do know that the insulator line is a step down from the bomb series...i think it replaces the core series of wetsuits in the overall product line. it's still a really good quality suit for the price, def. a cheaper alternative to the bomb series.


    alvin, i think the h-bomb is cost prohibitive for most people. $1100 for a hooded 4/3 is a bit much to swallow for most folks, no matter how awesome. i'd love to pick one up simply b/c i prefer to wear the least amount of rubber possible, but it's kinda hard to justify to the fiancee who already has to put up w/ my expansive quiver & multiple dripping wetsuits hung up around the house. she's tolerant of my bizarre behavior b/c she knows it keeps me sane, but only to a point.
     
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2010
  19. bauer

    bauer Well-Known Member

    182
    Aug 22, 2010